WASHINGTON: The United States reiterated on Monday that it "does not support 'independence' for Taiwan" in an official response to secessionist statements by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian.

"President Bush has repeatedly underscored his opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by either Taipei or Beijing because these threaten regional peace and stability, US national interests and Taiwan's own welfare," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack in a daily press briefing.

In 2000 and 2004, Chen pledged that he would not "declare independence, change the national title, push for inclusion of sovereignty themes in the constitution, or promote a referendum to change the status quo in regard to the questions of independence and unification," McCormack noted.

Chen's fulfillment of his commitments "is a test of leadership, dependability and statesmanship and of his ability to protect Taiwan's interests ... and to maintain peace and stability in the Strait," said McCormack.

"Rhetoric that could raise doubts about these commitments is unhelpful," the spokesman added.

He made the remarks after Chen told at a gathering in Taipei over the weekend that he wanted "independence", a new "constitution", and new names for local firms that use the word "China" in their title.

A spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council earlier criticized Chen for his "Taiwan independence" remark, saying it was another "dangerous" step toward secession.

Chen's attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" through "constitutional reform" posed a huge threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and to the Asia-Pacific region at large, the spokesman said.

Taiwan newspapers yesterday also criticized Chen, with the Taiwan Commercial Times saying that his "aggressive, crass and volatile political claims" ran contrary to most Taiwan people's expectations.

Source: Xinhua/China Daily